The Library Scoop

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library about technology news and useful technology tips. In this episode, we discuss the Library's newly rebranded Library of Things.

In this episode, the last part of a mini series on the Journey of a Library book, we talk to Georgia, Patron Services Assistant Supervisor at Niles-Maine District Library about the role that her department plays in getting the book into a reader's hands.

In this episode, part of a mini series on the Journey of a Library book, we discuss the cataloging process with Elbert, Materials Services Assistant at Niles-Maine District Library.

In this episode, part of a mini series on the Journey of a Library book, we discuss the collection development process with Youth Services L:ibrarian, Cate.

In this episode, we talk to Valerie Marshall, Executive Director of Niles-Maine District Library, to look back at her first year in that position and plans for the Library in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss Google's new NotebookLM tool and a new Telehealth Booth at Waukegan Public Library.

Tech Bytes #35 - AI and Smartphones by Niles-Maine District Library

Tech Bytes #36 - New Resources Roundup by Niles-Maine District Library

In this episode, we take a look at Treehouse, an electronic resource for Niles-Maine cardholders who are interested in learning to code.

In this episode, we get an update on the Affordable Connectivity Program, and look at what people who used it can expect now that it has gone away.

In this episode, we take a look at the history of the technology used to provide Talking Books for people who are unable to read standard print material due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability. We also learn about the process for a patron to sign up for this program.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about podcast transcriptions - how we make and share them.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about the Light Sound Project and we listen to the audio of the April 8, 2024 Total Eclipse.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about Kanopy, a movie and TV streaming resource from the public library, and an article on Indie Wire, which praises it as a streaming platform with staying power. Transcript: [Music - Tech Bytes theme] Hi, and welcome back to Tech Bytes. I'm your host, Todd, and today, we're talking about the library-exclusive video streaming app Kanopy. I've said many times that I think that Kanopy is the one of the best resources that are available from the public library. This week, I saw an article on Indie Wire, a film industry website, that also calls Kanopy a “hidden gem” and “the best kept secret” of the streaming industry. In a moment, we'll be back to talk about just how Kanopy great is, and why Brian Welk of Indie Wire, sees Kanopy as a streaming platform that has staying power, even while many of its competitors are being consolidated into each other. [Music - Tech Bytes theme] Ok, we're back, and we're talking about Kanopy. Kanopy is rare in the streaming universe. The content is well-curated and free for public library users. With a library of 35,000 titles that grows by nearly 150 titles per week, it has become a major player in an intensely competitive marketplace. General Manager of Kanopy, Jason Tyrell, explains the streaming service's structure to Indie Wire. “Tax dollars pay libraries, libraries pay Kanopy for access, and Kanopy pays studios to license their content, just as other streaming platforms would.” When thinking about how much of our tax bill goes to the public library, the cost for a Kanopy user is miniscule compared to what that person may spend on other streaming platforms in a year. Although the service gets constant requests from users to be able to simply pay for the service like they would for Netflix, Disney+, or Peacock, Tyrell explains that he believes that it is critical that Kanopy remain a “valuable library resource.” With Kanopy, there are titles that are meant to engage a younger demographic with arty-er indie films and thought-provoking documentaries. Recently, I heard a colleague at another library refer to himself and people like him as an “A24 dork.” A24 is the film production company that has recently skyrocketed in popularity for the critically successful and sometimes oddball and avant garde films. Kanopy certainly has plenty of content for the A24 dorks among us, but there's a lot more too. From world cinema to contemporary classics, it's hard to find just one title that I want to watch when browsing the service's library. And with apps for devices and smart TVs, logging in with your library card and watching diverse, high quality films couldn't be easier. Tech Bytes is recorded in Studio A on the lower level of the Niles-Maine District Library, where Niles-Maine cardholders have access to the recording equipment and software that were used to produce this episode. A text transcript of this episode can be found in the show's notes. The article referenced in this episode, Why Kanopy May Be Uniquely Positioned to Survive the Great Streaming Consolidation was written by Brian Welk for indiewire.com. Thank you for listening, and if you have questions about Kanopy, other library resources, or any other technology question, you can find us on the lower level, at the Library's technology desk. You can also email us at digitalservices@nileslibrary.org. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, and want to have easy access every time a new episode is released, please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. [Music - Tech Bytes theme]

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about Permission Slip, an app from Consumer Reports which empowers users to take back control of their online personal information. Transcript: [Music - Tech Bytes theme] Hi, and welcome back to Tech Bytes. I'm your host, Todd, and today, we're talking about privacy. Specifically: what happens with your personal data on the Internet? In my experience, a lot of conversations that I've had on this subject end with someone saying, ‘well, my information is already out there, so does it really matter?' And the answer to that question is: Yes! A new app called Permission Slip, from Consumer Reports, is here to help and give control back to users to decide what happens with their personal information. In a moment, we'll get into what this app actually does for consumers. [Music - Tech Bytes theme] Ok, we're back, and we're talking about Permission Slip. This app, from Consumer Reports, was developed with funding from Omidyar Network, an organization whose mission is to “invest to build more inclusive and equitable societies.” Permission Slip acts as an Authorized Agent, which is an “intermediary with the authority to send data rights requests on behalf of a consumer.” In other words, someone can give this app permission to contact companies and request that they either delete their data and/or stop selling that data. Now, a data broker is a company that collects and sells personal consumer information to other entities. Often this is done in service of marketing, but there are many reasons why a company may buy or sell someone's data. The Permission Slip app essentially has four main functions: First, it gives users an easy way to tell companies not to sell their personal information The next is to allow consumers to tell companies to delete the data that they have on them. Next, is to allow customers to delete customer accounts on websites that they no longer use. Last, a user can use the app to report a company if they believe that their personal information is being misused. When setting up the automatic opt out, a user needs to provide their phone number, address, and sign a waiver that allows Permission Slip to contact companies on their behalf. While our personal data is in many far flung corners of the Internet, and it may be difficult or impossible to reel it all back in, I appreciate that this free app is giving users the ability to start to take back control of their personal information and data. Permission Slip is available on both the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store. Tech Bytes is recorded in Studio A on the lower level of the Niles-Maine District Library, where Niles-Maine cardholders have access to the recording equipment and software that were used to produce this episode. A text transcript of this episode can be found in the show's notes. Thank you for listening, and if you have questions about Consumer Reports (which can be accessed with your Niles-Maine library card), personal data, or any other technology question, you can find us on the lower level, at the Library's technology desk. You can also email us at digitalservices@nileslibrary.org. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, and want to have easy access every time a new episode is released, please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify. [Music - Tech Bytes theme]

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this special episode, members of the community and attendees of Maker Fest 2024 try podcasting, and see what it is like to record their voices and stories.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about Apple's newest product, the Vision Pro. I head over to the Apple store to demo the product and then give my impressions.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about a November 2023 article for the Brennan Center for Justice entitled "Generative AI in Political Advertising" by Christina LaChapelle and Catherine Tucker.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we are joined by Josh from Digital Services for an explanation of VPNs - what are they and who needs them?

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about paper, and how with an app for every task under the sun, sometimes a piece of paper is still the best option.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about information literacy and the skills we can use to SIFT through information.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about paywalls and how to access information through the public library without the subscription fees.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about 3D printing in the public library and 3D printing homes on the moon.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, instead of technology, we celebrate the Polish heritage of our library community through stories, traditions, and music.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about two recent articles that look at different elements of how artificial intelligence is affecting book publishing.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we are back with Josh, form Digital Services at Niles-Maine District Library, to talk about which factors to consider when buying a budget laptop.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we are joined by Josh, from Digital Services at Niles-Maine District Library, to talk about Wi-Fi speeds, how to understand them, and how to determine which speeds we need.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about a recent change with Yahoo Mail on public computers in the Library.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about what to do when Facebook asks you to submit a photo of your ID for identity verification purposes.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about YouTube's latest policy shift: blocking the ad blockers.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about video games and the history of gaming in libraries.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about email passwords, phone verifications, and the complicated relationship between the two.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about new electronic resources available at Niles-Maine District Library.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about making a podcast at the Library. Near the end of the episode, four Library patrons try their hand at podcasting during a Podcasting Essentials library program.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about the options and roadblocks for printing from a mobile device at the Library.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about the differences between using Google Docs and Microsoft Word in the public library.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk the dreaded "Your device is running out of storage" notification. What it means, and what you can do about it.

Tech Bytes is a technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program that assists low-income houses get connected.

Tech Bytes is a brand new technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we take a break from talking about some of the new, ground-breaking technology and tech issues and talk about analog technology at the Library.

Tech Bytes is a brand new technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about AI Chatbots. What are they? What are they useful for? What should you know before using them?

Tech Bytes is a brand new technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. In this episode, we talk about Computer Security Tips with our resident expert, Josh from Digital Services and IT. Josh's Computer Security programs are the most popular technology programs we offer at Niles-Maine District Library.

Welcome to Tech Bytes - a brand new technology podcast, produced by the Digital Services department at Niles-Maine District Library. This week, we discuss an application of artificial intelligence that you may already be using with out knowing it!

Welcome back! This episode was recorded at Maker Fest on February 25, 2023. Hear from the makers about what they make and how they got started. We will also be hearing from you! Attendees of all ages came and visited our podcast station and told us what they liked about Maker Fest, the library, and whatever else they felt like talking about.

This week, Carleigh welcomes back Youth Librarian Rosie Camargo to the podcast. Rosie tells us about the holiday Dia de los Muertos, the traditions that go along with it, and some resources you can find to learn more. This is also our first dual language episode! You can hear this interview in English in the first half, and Spanish in the second half! Videos: Day of the Dead Video: https://tinyurl.com/MonarchDayoftheDead PBS video: https://tinyurl.com/DayoftheDeadSchoolShort Books: Our Day of the Dead Celbration by Ana Aranda: https://tinyurl.com/OurDayoftheDeadCelebration Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh: https://tinyurl.com/FunnyBonesNMDL Dia de Los Muertos by Hannah Eliot: https://tinyurl.com/DiadelosMuertosNMDL Programs: 2-6 year olds: https://nmdl.libnet.info/event/6873545 7-12 Grade: https://nmdl.libnet.info/event/6810179 We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.

For episode two in our grief series, Carleigh talks to Christina Marfice. Christina has participated as both a "partier" and a host with The Dinner Party, and she tells us about her experiences doing both. Links: @cookingthroughgrief - https://www.instagram.com/cookingthroughgrief Tiny Beautiful Things: https://tinyurl.com/TinyBeautifulThingsNiles Terrible Thanks for Asking - https://ttfa.org/ Nora McInerny's Books: https://tinyurl.com/NoraMcInernyAmazon Last Day - https://lemonadamedia.com/show/lastday/ Music: "Meditation On Love" by Kirk Osamayo is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.

Surprise! This month The Library Scoop will be giving you not one, but four episodes! We are kicking off our October series by talking to Aggie Fitch, the Communications Manager of the Dinner Party. The Dinner Party's mission is "To transform some of our hardest conversations and most isolating experiences into sources of community support, candid conversation, and forward movement using the age old practices of gathering and breaking bread". Aggie and Carleigh talk about the history of the organization and where it will be going from here. Links: The Dinner Party: www.thedinnerparty.org Dinner Party Tables & Host Training: https://connect.thedinnerparty.org/ Buddy System: https://www.thedinnerparty.org/buddysystem If You Know Someone in Crisis Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). You can also contact the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services provide 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend's social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org. Music: "Don't Forget To Live" by HoliznaCC0 is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License

On this month's episode of The Library Scoop, Carleigh talks to fellow Digital Services team member Ruth Schuster. Ruth tells us about her experiences working in different types of libraries and how Niles-Maine District Library has changed in her 23 years of working here. Links: Press Reader: https://www.pressreader.com/catalog LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/nileslibrary We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.

On this month's episode of The Library Scoop, Carleigh talks to author Alina Rubin about her first novel "A Girl With a Knife". She talks about the creative writing process, as well as books and resources she recommends. Links: "A Girl With a Knife" At Niles-Maine District Library: https://tinyurl.com/AGirlWithAKnifeLibrary On Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/AGirlWithAKnifeAmazon Creative Writing Resources: Creative Writing Club: https://tinyurl.com/NilesCreativeWritingClub "On Writing" by Stephen King: https://tinyurl.com/OnWritingSK "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk: https://tinyurl.com/elementsofstyleWS Other recommendations not in our catalog: -"Polish your Prose" by Harmony Kent -"Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.

On this month's episode of The Library Scoop, Carleigh talks to actor Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs, Solar Opposites, Camp Cretaceous) about growing up in Park Ridge, IL and attending Maine South High School, as well as his career as an actor, both on screen and in voiceover roles. Links: Sean's Work in our Catalog: https://tinyurl.com/SeanGiambrone Intro to Voiceover Program: https://nmdl.libnet.info/event/6245906 Books about voiceover: https://tinyurl.com/VoiceoverBooks Borrow a Roku to watch more of Sean's work: https://tinyurl.com/NilesRoku We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.

This episode of The Library Scoop explores Niles's connection to the broader Global Community. Youth Services Librarian Rosie Camargo discusses our World Language & Bilingual Storytimes for kids here at the library. Then artist Samra Bashir explains how Pakistan and Islamic patterns influence her works. Lastly, Carleigh visits a fundraiser for Ukrainians affected by the war at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Park Ridge. Links: Storytimes: https://tinyurl.com/JuneStorytimes Samra's Art: https://tinyurl.com/GlassCalligraphy St. Luke's Lutheran Church Card Ministry: https://tinyurl.com/CardMinistry Lutheran World Relief: https://tinyurl.com/LWRUkraineInfo We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.

The Library Scoop was created by Jabez and he has hosted the podcast for four years, highlighting the stories of Niles-Maine District Library and its surrounding communities. We're sad to announce that Jabez is moving on in his career, but we're so excited to introduce you to Carleigh, the show's new host! In this special episode, Jabez begins interviewing Carleigh about her new hosting endeavor and her career in libraries. Then the roles are reversed as Carleigh interviews Jabez for a stroll down memory lane, gaining some of his best tips for being a successful host along the way. We welcome your comments and feedback - please send to ditgitalservices@nileslibrary.org.